There’s likely no one in Peoria who actually looks forward to having tooth extractions for any reason, but many would point to not wanting to endure the recovery process as their main reason why. Recovery from any surgical procedure can be daunting to think about, but with some helpful tips and armed with the right information, your recovery can be quick, uncomplicated, and successful.
In this blog, Associated Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons will specifically talk to you about the habits you should avoid while your mouth heals after your tooth extractions. This information will help you be better prepared for your procedure and ease some of your worries as you recover.
Avoid Eating Hard or Crunchy Foods
No matter the type of surgery or procedure you have, it is important to eat a healthy diet during your recovery. As your wound heals after your tooth extractions, be sure to eat nutrient-rich foods containing lots of protein and healthy fats and carbs like fruits and vegetables.
Peoria patients should avoid eating solid foods that are hard or crunchy as they wait for their wounds to heal. These types of foods can cause damage to the gum tissue and surgical area. You could bleed, re-open the wound, or even cause infection.
After your tooth extractions, you should consume a liquid diet—or a diet of soft foods—until our doctors have cleared you to return to your normal diet. Consider these healthy food choices after your tooth extractions:
- Puréed soup
- Vegetable juices
- Bone or vegetable broths
- Greek yogurt
- Cottage cheese
- Instant oatmeal
- Mashed potatoes
- Mashed bananas
- Scrambled eggs
- Ripe avocado
- Hummus
- Boiled eggs
- Applesauce
- Flaky fish
Avoid Exercising After Your Tooth Extractions
After tooth extractions with Dr. Busch, Dr. Otte, or Dr. Schroeder at AOS in Peoria, patients should avoid exercising of any kind for several days. Raising the heart rate or blood pressure could increase bleeding at the incision site, which could be uncomfortable and can delay your healing. Our doctors will let you know when it is safe to return to your normal exercise routine, but if you have specific questions, be sure to call and ask our team for advice.
Avoid Lifting Heavy Objects After Your Tooth Extractions
In addition to avoiding the gym for a while after your tooth extractions, Peoria patients should also avoid lifting anything over 10 pounds until their wound has healed. Lifting heavy objects (or your small children) can increase your blood pressure, which in turn can increase swelling and bleeding at the site of your tooth extractions. Again, our doctors will give you clear instructions for when you can resume this activity after your procedure.
Drinking Through a Straw
After your tooth extractions, it is important for patients to avoid drinking through a straw. The act of sucking on a straw can cause the all-important blood clots that have formed over your incision sites to dislodge. If this happens, a complication called dry socket can occur—and trust us, it’s not something you want to experience.
Call Our Doctors at AOS Oral Surgeons in Peoria If You Have Additional Questions About What to Avoid During Your Recovery from Tooth Extractions
If you need tooth extractions, start by scheduling an appointment with one of our doctors. During your visit, your doctor will assess the areas of concern and evaluate your needs. They will then go over every option available to you and answer any questions you may have.
Simply call (309) 326-9250 today to get started!
